Diverse Abilities

Disability charity supporting children and adults across Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset

Diverse Abilities is a local charity and independent non- profit organisation working across the Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset area to provide the best care and support for children and adults with physical and learning disabilities.

The charity was founded in 1955 and by 1959 a permanent centre had been built in Poole (now Langside School). Since then Diverse Abilities, based in Poole, has gone on to provided supported living for adults, a respite home for children where they can enjoy short breaks, and the charity now supports over 600 children, adults and their families across the Poole and Bournemouth area based in Dorset.

Langside School

Providing education and therapy support for young people across Poole and Bournemouth based in Dorset

Langside School, based in Poole, works with pupils aged 2 to 19 offering education, extra curricular activities and after school/holiday activities. The school does not only provide nursing support in every class; on site you will find a speech and language therapist, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, orthopaedics plus paediatric, dietician and orthotics clinics, Hyrotherapy is also offered.

The learning environment at Langside School based in Poole, provides a healthy contrast of care and discipline allowing pupils to excel in learning and obtaining new skills whilst receiving all the right support. The learning curriculum is individually constructed to suit each child’s individual needs and understanding and classes are kept to a number of only six or seven- each class includes support from a qualified teacher, a HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant), a Therapy Assistant and two LSAs (Learning Support Assistants).

Supporting young people and their families in Poole and Bournemouth, based in Dorset

The Children’s Team at Diverse Abilities provide excellent support for families across Poole and Bournemouth that have children with physical and/or learning disabilities. The Children’s Team ensure those they look after enjoy a fun and fulfilling childhood and that families are given the right help and support to help cope with any challenges they may face.

The Children’s Team offer four different services that provide support for young people with disabilities and their families in Poole and Bournemouth:

Smithers– A residential respite for young people between 2 and 19, is the perfect overnight stay or day break. The home provides a safe and enjoyable environment as well as the chance for parents to have some time alone or with other children with out the usual daily routine of being a carer.

Coping With CHAOS– A support service across Poole and Bournemouth in Dorset which provides play sessions during school holidays, a youth club for teenagers with disabilities and advise and support for parents.

Project– A service ensuring children and young people with disabilities get the most out of their weekends and school holidays and after school at fun packed activity clubs.

Shapes– A service giving care both in and out the home for children and young people up to the age of 18. Whilst providing ultimate support for young people with disabilities the service also gives parents time some time alone or with other children with the peace of mind that their child is safe.

Support for adults with disabilities their families in Poole and Bournemouth, based in Dorset

Diverse Abilities provide a range of services, which support adults and their families across the Poole and Bournemouth area. The service ensures adults with disabilities are given support and guidance to lead a fun and fulfilling life with as much independence possible.

Diverse Abilities offer three main adult services:

Supported Living– Consistent support for adults with a disability living in their own home ensuring they are giving the right guidance and encouragement to live independently.

Reach Out– Support both in the home and in the community for disabled adults and their families across Poole and Bournemouth.

Barnabas– A service where adults with disabilities can meet, learn new skills and enjoy a range of different days out around Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset.

The Diverse Abilities Advice Team offer an advice service that covers all issues related to disability. Whether it be questions about disability benefits and legal matters, advice and support for those living with someone that has a disability or advice and information for someone living with a disability; Diverse Abilities have an extremely experienced team that can provide a friendly, informative and comfortable advice service to people with disabilities of all ages, their families and their carers.

Diverse Abilities- giving care and support across Poole and Bournemouth and Dorset for young people and adults with disabilities and offering education, activity sessions, home support, day and overnight care and advice and support for families and carers.

There are a number of ways you can get involved with Diverse abilities, based in Poole to find out more click here.